| abstract |
A system and process is provided for stripping metal oxide scale from metal products, such as stripping iron oxide scale from steel sheet and steel mill products. Steel having iron oxide scale compiling a layer of one or more iron oxide phases is associated with an electrolyte, such as by being immersed in a tank filled with the electrolyte, such as a dilute acid mixture. A counter electrode having a higher potential than steel is also associated with the electrolyte. The counter electrode is dc coupled to the steel, or to a conductive component in direct contact with the steel, such that electric current flows from the steel to the counter electrode due to the difference in the natural potentials of steel and the counter electrode. The metal oxide scale is thereby stripped from the steel. |